Patrick Spencer, the Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, has denied two counts of sexual assault following allegations that he groped two women at the prestigious Groucho Club in central London.
The 37-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday, June 16, 2025, where he confirmed his full name, Michael Patrick Spencer, and date of birth before pleading not guilty to the charges. The alleged incidents took place on August 12, 2023, nearly a year before Spencer was elected to Parliament in the 2024 general election.
According to prosecutor Polly Dyer, Spencer was accused of touching the breasts of two women without their consent during the same night at the private members' club. The court heard that Spencer, who appeared intoxicated, initially insisted on buying one of the women a drink and made her feel uncomfortable by asking about her marriage. The woman felt pressured, describing the situation as inappropriate, and eventually walked away.
Hours later, the prosecution alleged Spencer approached the first complainant from behind, put his arms under hers, and cupped her breasts over her clothing. The complainant was reportedly shocked and embarrassed by the unexpected contact, having not consented to it.
A similar account was given by the second complainant. Prosecutor Dyer said Spencer moved behind the woman, put his arms around her, and cupped her breasts over her clothes. The woman removed his hands and stated she had not consented to the touching.
Both women’s complaints were initially made to the Groucho Club, a well-known Soho establishment that opened in 1985 and has long been a favored spot for celebrities, media figures, and politicians alike. The club reported the incidents to the police, leading to an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service.
Earlier this year, Spencer gave a voluntary interview to the police. Following a review of the evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized two counts of sexual assault against him. Frank Ferguson, head of the special crime and counter-terrorism division at the CPS, confirmed the charges stemmed from two separate incidents involving the two women at the Groucho Club.
Since the charges were brought in May 2025, Spencer has been suspended from the Conservative Party, with the whip withdrawn, meaning he now sits as an independent MP. His lawyers have maintained his innocence, stating he "categorically denies the charges" and will defend himself "robustly in court." They also emphasized his full cooperation with the police investigation from the outset.
Spencer, who was first elected with a majority of 4,290 votes, has been asked to stay away from Parliament until the case concludes. Prior to his political career, he worked in finance for IPGL, a private equity firm chaired by his father, Lord Michael Spencer, a former Conservative Party treasurer. He later moved into policy roles, including a senior advisory position at the Department for Education and work with the Centre for Social Justice think tank.
The case will next be heard at Southwark Crown Court on July 14, 2025, where Spencer will face a plea and trial preparation hearing. He has opted for a trial by jury.
This development has sent ripples through the political landscape, as allegations of sexual misconduct by public officials continue to draw intense scrutiny. The Groucho Club, known for its exclusive membership and celebrity clientele, now finds itself at the center of a high-profile legal case, raising questions about behavior in elite social settings.
Spencer’s case also highlights the broader challenges faced by political parties in managing allegations against their members, balancing due process with public accountability. His suspension reflects the Conservative Party’s stance on such matters, though the outcome of the trial remains to be seen.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus will remain on ensuring a fair trial while addressing the serious nature of the accusations. The next court appearance in July will be a significant moment in this ongoing story.
